Oculus In Talks With MSI To Develop VR Backpack

MSI unveiled its VR One backpack earlier this month. VR One is specifically optimized for HTC's Vive headset. Now, it is reported that Oculus is in talks with MSI to develop a VR backpack as well. Another VR One might be optimized for the Oculus Rift. This move of Oculus sets up tough competition for HTC. According to Yahoo, it will help the company expand into the gaming netbook sector.

Oculus Rift And MSI's VR One

MSI's VR One is equipped with an Intel Core i7 processor, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 graphics chip, four USB 3.0 ports, one HDMI port, one Mini DisplayPort, one USB 2.0 Type-C port supporting Thunderbolt 3, a microphone jack and a headphone jack. The said backpack offers up to 90 minutes of battery life. It is powered with two swappable batteries.

The VR One could support three USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port and one HDMI 1.3 port for the Oculus Rift. The VR headset needs 8 GB system memory, an Intel Core i5-4590 equivalent or greater processor, and a preferably better graphics card than Nvidia GeForce GTX 970.

Oculus Puts Pressure On HTC

MSI has already collaborated with HTC. Bundles composed of gaming netbooks and the HTC Vive headset will be sold. They are set to hit stores in October. As such, Oculus might have struck a similar deal.

According to Digitimes, sources said that the tie-up will expand Oculus' sales in the gaming notebook market. The company has been doing that for a while. They have already partnered with Microsoft. The goal was to promote Oculus' VR products.

The sources further revealed that some PC brands have already tied up with Oculus. This resulted in gaming PC products bundles with Oculus Rift.

Sources add that the increased presence of Oculus VR might put a lot of pressure on HTC. The Oculus Rift is more affordable than the HTC Vive headset. They are priced at $600 and $800, respectively. Consumers might prefer the cheaper one, though it is still quite pricey.

Yahoo sets a good comparison. The competition has been somewhat fierce for Rift and Vive. The Oculus VR headset is the "first" modern commercial VR headset in development. The Vive was backed by a popular PC gaming platform.